He shuts his door without slamming it, so I feel I can cross off rage for now. He turns to face me and I know he sees Harlow hiding behind my back. His eyes are a steely blue, sharp and intense. I finally see the anger in his controlled demeanor. It radiates from his eyes like a blue flame.
With slow, deliberate steps, James makes his way around the front of his car and walks to stand facing me. His stiff stance carries one meaning: he won’t be making this confrontation an easy one. He doesn’t try to reach out to Harlow, but his eyes betray him as he peers around me and a wicked smile slowly forms on his lips. He might as well be the devil himself. I sense something dark behind his haughty grin.
One question nags at me though while I wait for James to speak. How did he know we were here? I steal a quick look around the area to see if anyone else is nearby, but see nothing to indicate anyone following either Harlow or me.
“I bet you’re wondering how I found you two,” James speaks in a chilling voice, as if he just read my mind. No anger in his tone. Like all his emotions are suppressed. I return his cold stare with one of my own. I will not let my inner thoughts betray me. “I have my ways. Like the cars’ GPS system.”
“That’s why you wanted me to drive your damn car. To keep tabs on me,” I snap back at him. No reason to play nice with this freak.
“Harlow?” James calls to the trembling woman grabbing onto my leather jacket as if it’s her lifeline. “Dear, you seem to have misplaced something.”
“What?” Harlow asks, and I see her standing more to my side with only half her body behind me.
“Oh, there you are. As beautiful as the first day I saw you.” James brings his eyes up to mine. “Have you ever seen anyone lovelier than her, Sin?”
“What do you want, James?” I give him no room to play.
“Harlow, of course.” He begins to approach us and I stand in front of Harlow again. Like hell is he going to take her from here. It’s her day of freedom. “There’s a pawnshop owner who is awaiting the return of his money. You see, all I have to do is call the police and list the bracelet as stolen. Then, the bracelet is confiscated as evidence, and Harlow is branded a criminal.”
How does he know all of this? Does he fucking own everyone in this damn town?
“Bullshit.” I can’t hold back any longer. Harlow’s hands tighten their grip on the back of my jacket. “What you’ve done to Harlow these last four months is criminal. I will go to the police and tell them everything. You’ve made her your financial hostage.”
“Yeah, I don’t think you will do that, Sin. What will you tell them? Let me give you the Chief of Police’s name. He knows me well. I saved the life of his wife when she had a heart transplant two years ago.” James sticks both of his hands in his pockets and rocks on his feet in a display of supreme confidence. The asshole.
“He has no idea who you really are, James. I don’t know how you’ve fooled everyone, but I say no more.” I finish the last of my words through gritted teeth.
“Your youthful confidence and bravado is rather impressive. I quite admire you standing up for someone like Harlow.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I ask in disbelief. He’s not worthy of the air she breathes, so how can he say that about Harlow?
“Come on. She’s the daughter of the town tramp. You’re going to throw away everything for her?”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I can make one quick call and end your dreams of ever becoming a doctor. I have connections in New York City who owe me and would be happy to have their debt finally paid off.” James inches closer to Harlow and me. I want to shield her completely, but she steps out from my side.
“I don’t believe any of your bullshit. You’re just a desperate sick fuck who will say anything to get Harlow back. I’ll do whatever I have to so that never happens.”
“You’re willing to give up medical school and see Harlow put behind bars for stealing? Nice.” James reaches out to touch Harlow’s arm and I swat it away.
“Fucking don’t touch her,” I hiss. This time, I move to shield her completely. “You can’t make her go with you. This is a free country and she has a free will to choose. And you lost.”
“Have I?” James mocks me with a crazed look in his eyes. “Harlow, are you willing to let his life forever be ruined because of you? I don’t want to make the call to the police or my friend in New York, but I will if you don’t leave with me now. Come, Harlow.” James extends his hand again and before I can shove it away or punch him in the face, Harlow places her hand in his. My world turns red with rage.
“Sin, I can’t let you. I just can’t.” I look down at the sweet, beautiful woman who would go back with this monster to protect me. A flash of anger courses through my veins. I can’t let this happen.
“No way. I don’t care. We will figure this out. He can’t do anything to us. These are just empty threats.”